Future Of ‘Big Oil’ Lawsuit Topic At Flood Board

CHALMETTE, La. (AP) — A south Louisiana  flood control board has gone into closed-door session to discuss its lawsuit against 97 oil, gas and pipeline companies over coastal wetlands damage.

Gov. Bobby Jindal, who opposes the lawsuit, has been able to replace four members of the nine-member Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East so far; and his four newest appointees voted against the closed session — an indication of their opposition to the suit.

With one member absent at Thursday's meeting, member Joe Hassinger's motion to prevent a closed-door meeting with attorneys failed on a 4-4 vote. Board president Stephen Estopinal, a suit supporter, noted that public discussion of the suit was set for later Thursday.

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